Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To Ariel's family. I hope you're all well and blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for knowing Ariel for a short time when we were young. I'm also proud to have had such a fine person as Ariel as a friend. His presence in this world is missed. I'm thankful for his service to this country.

Fernando Diaz

March 6, 2025

Sir, I don’t know you, but I did have the honor of serving with your son. He spoke of you often and that he wanted to make you proud of him. Sir I can say your son is an amazing Soldier and great leader. Rest Easy!

MSG Leb
Friend of your so.

December 27, 2024

It has been 41 yrs since the killing of Officer Rios, I was a 22 yr old medic on the rescue squad that helped Officer D’Atri survive his wounds. Months later he came to our fire station to thank us for helping him that day. It hurt then and still hurts my heart today that we couldn’t help Officer Rios live the long life that he deserved. Such a waste and for what? He is a proud dad looking down from Heaven today, proud of his kids, his family, his legacy. Thank you for your sacrifice my brother.

JL Barreto, Captain (Retired)
Miami Fire Dept

January 30, 2024

I only worked with SA RIOS for a few weeks in NYC . In that short time I found Ariel to be a man of integrity and an investigator of unequaled dedication . It was my honor to follow his lead as he taught me . I will never forget his kind and energetic spirit . Rest in peace Special Agent Ariel Rios .

Rosario D'Allura , Former Coworker
NYS AGENCY

March 9, 2023

I used to try my non-existent Spanish on Ariel when he called in for a tag or other info. He always laughed when I asked if it was “mi diablito” on the phone. I have never forgotten that morning when we learned what had happened, it was shocking and heartbreaking in so many ways. I am so glad Ariel has been remembered like this, it was the right thing to do.

m.p.
Intelligence Clerk, BATF

February 23, 2022

Ariel,

My friend .. I will never forget that awful day when we were told that you were killed. It seems so unrealistic that you’ve been gone 39 years ago

I took a job down in Miami on that same anti-drug task force.. I wanted to do that in your memory. Be at peace my friend..

DB
BATF

December 2, 2021

Rest in peace Special Agent Rios.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 20, 2019

Rest in peace Special Agent Rios. Your honesty and integrity will be forever humbly saluted.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 29, 2017

On December 2, 2016 there will be a ceremony for you and the dedication of the ATF Headquarters building to you . You did your job well. Miss you so much

Nilda Rapalo
ATF

November 15, 2016

Today my brother ,a bill was passed to name the new ATF building in your name. You were a good man. Everyone loved you.
Love you always
Your sister
Nilda

Nilda
Sister

May 11, 2016

Rest in peace . You have probably meet with Walter .
We still love you. When the phone rings in the middle of the night , I always think is you calling to open the front door. We miss you so much
Love you always
Your sister
Nilda

Nilda
Sister

February 13, 2016

Ariel, I miss you so much. I know that you have seen my children and Zandra's children. You son has become a wonderful person just like you. My daughter has decided to follow your steps. I know she will be as good as you were.
Your time was up to go with GOD. Even though I know this , I miss you very much. Sad to say Pa has Alzheimer's
and does not remember you. Mom loves you so much. She always says that you are with MAMA Justa. Please rest in peace . We all love you and remember you. Please protect my daughter when she is in Law Enforcement

Nilda
Sister

February 13, 2016

Rest in Peace. Think of you often.

Anonymous

December 2, 2014

Ariel was born in NYC, not Conn. He never worked in D.C. Corrections, only NYC Corrections. He was my brother-in-law and my friend. I miss him.

COL Walter Rivera

February 18, 2014

Sent my "No Parole" letter for your killer this week. May you rest in peace, Special Agent Rios.

Police Explorer
Minnesota

October 16, 2013

I wrote my no parole letter for Agent Rios.
No Officer's murder should ever see the light of day. A life for a life. I have been through what Agent Rios's family has. It changes everyone's life forever. I feel for that family, they have been cheated and will be cheated again if that murderer is set free. The only JUSTICE for the family of Agent Rios making his murderer rot in prison till the day he dies!

Deborah L. Tripp
Ex- Deputy Sheriff, Claiborne Co. TN

October 15, 2013

I mailed my No Parole letter for you today Agent Rios.

"He knew the risk he was taking, yet he did it every day.
Even though my hands are shaking, it's for you today I pray;
That your loved ones find some comfort, knowing you did not
die in vain."

Rest In Peace

Correctional Officer (ret) R. Fleming
California Department of Corrections

October 5, 2013

I am not in law enforcement, just a concerned citizen. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. I will mail my letter today! You have not been forgotten.

citizen
Tampa

October 4, 2013

I was honored to send off my 'No Parole' letter today for you, my brother in blue. Thank you for your sacrifice and may you forever, rest in peace. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!

My prayers continue to be with your family, friends and co-workers.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

October 4, 2013

I'm not a member of Law Enforcement, but I wanted to say how much I personally appreciate the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of those who are. SA Ariel Rios, you have my humble and utmost respect.

Shirley Kennett

October 3, 2013

Rest in peace brother, we have the watch. I am sending in my "No Parole for Cop Killers' letter today demanding your murderer be kept locked up for every single day of the sentence given. Thank you for your service. God bless the family, friends, and co-workers of Agent Rios during this time of pain all over again. God bless the peacemakers.

Senior Patrolman Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) P.D.

October 3, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 30, 2013

30 years. God bless you.

Anonymous

December 2, 2012

Thinking about you Ariel . . .

Jim Crotty, ATF Special Agent (Ret.)
Former Richmond, VA Police Officer

December 27, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 2, 2011